The Beit Hallel Messianic Congregation in Ashdod, southern Israel has experienced systematic harassment from the local anti-missionary group.
The harassment includes intimidation, fear tactics, vandalism, curses, chanting, blocking the entrance to the church and disrupting services.
The congregation initially won a court case against its harassers and obtained a restraining order, but that restraining order has been repeatedly ignored and violated. Ultra-Orthodox anti-missionary groups, such as Yad L’Achim, oppose Christian activity in Israel. Messianic Jews are Jews who recognise Jesus as the Messiah, but groups like Yad L’Achim do not see Messianics as true Jews. Pray for these Christians in the region as persecution from orthodox groups continues to increase.
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA
- Ask God to give local Christians gracious words and courage to be His witnesses, even as they face opposition.
- Pray these believers will be given an opportunity to meet for corporate worship so they can encourage one another in the faith.
- Pray for the members of the Ultra-Orthodox groups, that the Lord Jesus may be made known to them.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Lord you have placed a love in our heart long ago for all Jews. Praise you Yeshua for all Jews in Israel and the world who have already accepted you as their Messiah. Lord we continue to pray for those who still have the veil firmly over their eyes and can not see you as Messiah and Saviour, that they too can come to true salvation in you. We lift up this Messianic congregation to you, that they will continue to be your witness in Israel and you guide them and protect them each day. Lead them to those you want to share your good news with, and Lord give them your words to say. Lord as they say this at the end of every Messianic Jewish congregations time together, we pray this for this congregation now.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:23b–26).
Lord your next feast is Hanukkah. so may this precious group of believers be your light to not only the Ultra Orthodox Jews in their community, but also the secular Jews too.
Blessed and Holy Lord Jesus, you are calling out of darkness a people into your wonderful light. Jesus, you are the light of the world and you expose the deeds of darkness and indeed you came into the world to destroy the works of the evil one. We pray for your people from the Beit Hallel Messianic Congregation in Ashdod. we thank you for their faith and endurance under pressure and ask that you fill them with your Spirit to behave and pray with grace and courage in the present circumstances. Please give them opportunity to meet for corporate worship and encourage, honour and love one another. Bless their enemies by turning their hearts of stone into hearts of flesh to lead them to deep repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.